My recent big move has been a fairly smooth
ride as far as these things go, but it hasn’t always been completely bump free.
A voyage across the seas for an extended period of time can be an incredibly
worthwhile thing to do; independence, initiative and interest can all be
acquired while you’re away. However, it isn’t always plain sailing (perhaps you
learn how to make travel related puns as well), here are a few reasons why...
New People. Meeting people is often one
of the hardest parts of moving away. Meeting fun, nice and normal people is
often even harder. However, don’t forget that while you’re abroad, you have the
perfect opportunity to meet a huge variety of people. Why not approach a
randomer on the street and ask them to show you around? If they think you’re
weird, just tell them it’s what all English people do.
New
Habits. Getting used to a new routine can be a very
confusing thing, but it’s very important to embrace the culture of the place
where you are living. Waiting until 9pm to eat dinner, as the French do, was
practically impossible to get used to, but now I prefer it. Clubs not even
opening until 2am was even stranger but I finally felt like I fit into French
culture when I discovered that I can start work as late as 9.30am.
New Living
Arrangements. Moving into a flat with strangers and
a kettle-less kitchen can be a daunting thing. Discovering how to make the
washing machine work provided a particularly deceptive challenge (the washing
powder and the freshener look identical!), but making mistakes and learning how
to not burn yourself when lighting the oven is all part of the ‘broadening your
horizons’ experience.
Had to invest! |
New
Language. Without a doubt the most nerve-wracking,
nail-biting pre-year abroad jitters for me came from my fear of not being able
to understand those around me. Of course it was a struggle at first, and I
still occasionally nod my head when someone looks at me expectantly without a
clue what I’m agreeing to, but over time it occurs less and less and you begin
to understand more and more.
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